Pros and Cons of Getting an Arm Lift

26 August 2016

Dr. Nidal (Nick) Masri

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An arm lift surgery is great for tightening loose skin and removing fat on the upper arms that usually create a ‘bat wing’ appearance. But before you undergo an arm lift surgery, it pays to know about the pros and cons of the procedure first.

Though most people find that the benefits of an arm lift usually outweigh its risks, it is still up to you to determine whether or not an arm lift will help you achieve your aesthetic goals.

To help you in your decision, here are the benefits and risks involved in an arm lift surgery.

The Positives

Improved appearance

Admittedly, your arms are not the first thing that people notice when they first meet you. However, this is something that many people are self-conscious about, as jiggly arms make them feel insecure about the general state of their body.

Hence, even though an arm lift can only address a small part of your body, it definitely has a huge impact on your appearance. Simply making your arms look slimmer and tighter can also make your entire figure look a lot more youthful and slender. Firm arms will also make you look physically fit, as opposed to arms with a lot of dangling fat and excess skin.

Better clothing options

Have you ever wanted to wear short-sleeve or sleeveless tops and dresses without feeling self-conscious about your arms? Some people can shrug it off, but many women do not feel comfortable showing off their flabby arms. Even long-sleeve clothing can turn them off, as it accentuates their arms’ lack of tone.

With a Miami arm lift, you can wear whatever type of clothing that you want without having to worry about how your arms would appear to others. A brachioplasty will also make it easier to move your arms, hence making you feel a lot more comfortable.

Complement weight loss

If you recently lost a large amount of weight, then it is not uncommon for you to notice the sagging skin on your upper arms. While you can remedy them with a variety of toning exercises, it can take some time for results to start showing.

Do not let your flabby arms derail your dedication to lose weight. An arm lift can quickly make your arms look more reflective of your size. Plus, an arm lift is a great complement to other cosmetic surgeries that tone other areas of your body, such as a tummy tuck and a thigh lift surgery.

Enhanced self-esteem

Ultimately, every cosmetic procedure is done with the intent to boost one’s confidence and self-esteem. An arm lift is no exception, as the combined benefits of this procedure can make you feel a lot more confident about your appearance than you were before.

This positive feeling can also be seen in your everyday actions, as an increase in confidence can make you more willing to engage in new activities, meet new people, or even take on more leadership roles at work. So if you have been wanting to try yoga for years but your sagging arms are hindering you from doing so, getting an arm lift can solve your problem and give you a chance to try something new.

The Negatives

Visible scars

Scarring is one of the biggest issues in an arm lift, as this major surgery produces a visible and permanent scar that runs along the inside of the upper arms. Though your doctor will position incisions carefully to conceal scarring as much as possible, the possibility of getting an undesirable scar cannot be fully avoided.

Nevertheless, scars usually fade about a year after surgery. If you develop raised or hypertrophic scars, they can be treated using laser therapy. A mini arm lift can also minimize scarring, but you have to consult your doctor first if this type of arm lift is appropriate for your condition.

Bleeding

Bleeding is quite uncommon in an arm lift, but it can occur. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as smoking, drinking, and medications. Aside from blood loss, constant bleeding can also impede the healing process of your arm lift.

To prevent bleeding, it is important that you stop smoking and drinking at least six weeks before your scheduled arm lift. You should also be honest with your surgeon about what drugs you are taking so that he can adjust your medications accordingly. Some drugs that can cause bleeding after your surgery include aspirin, some anti-inflammatory drugs, and certain herbal medications.

Fluid accumulation

The formation of seromas or pockets of fluid happens when excess fluid accumulates along the incision lines. This might cause inflammation and tension on your incision lines, hence necessitating removal in some cases. It is actually one of the most common risks of brachioplasty, together with cellulitis, wound reopening, and raised scars.

Immediately after surgery, surgical drains will be placed along the incisions to prevent fluid accumulation. However, there are cases in which this might not be enough. It is also important to maintain a healthy, low-sodium diet after surgery in order to reduce fluid retention and post-surgical swelling.

Possibility of complications

Just like any other surgery, an arm lift has a few short-term side effects. These include bruising, swelling, discomfort, tightness, numbness, and a tingling sensation on the incision area. These side effects typically dissipate quickly.

Complications may also occur, posing serious risks after surgery. Examples of these are allergic reactions to anesthesia, infection, significant bleeding, unfavorable scarring, swelling of extremities, hematomas and seromas, permanent loss of sensation, and asymmetry.

You should immediately consult your doctor once you experience any of these symptoms. You can also limit your risk in the first place by following your doctor’s post-surgical instructions to the letter.

Still on the fence regarding an arm lift surgery? Schedule a Free Consultation with one of our experienced and board-certified Miami plastic surgeons here on Face + Body Cosmetic Surgery to help you decide whether or not this procedure is right for you. We will do our best to answer any questions that you may have about the arm lift surgery.